Explorer’s Creativity: 13 Ways to Repurpose Old Maps

We live in a digital age. Everything we need is always at our fingertips in the form of a phone app and maps are no exception. Every smartphone has navigation already built in and the digital maps are becoming so detailed it’s hard to imagine how we every functioned on paper maps alone – though there’s no denying they made road trips much more adventurous! If you have a stack of old maps that are calling to be repurposed, you’re going to love these DIY ideas!

1. Map Coasters

A traveler’s heart is always a little restless when it’s in the same place for too long. If you love daydreaming about your next traveling adventure as you’re sipping on a cup of coffee in the morning or enjoying tea time with your fellow travelers, these map coasters by Popsugar are going to fit right in!

2. Map Mason Jar Banks

One thing that can make traveling challenging is having a small budget, so if you want to be resourceful and responsible, it pays off to save up money exclusively for your trip! Pillar Box Blue is going to help you make these stylish map mason jar banks!

3. Map Drawers

And since you’re already exploring Pillar Box Blue‘s map ideas, don’t miss these incredible upgraded drawers that have wanderlust written all over their design! This is such a great way to bring the spirit of traveling into your home, so the periods when you’re staying in the same place don’t feel as monotone!

4. Personalized Map Hearts

Love is a force that can bring two people together even if they live on opposite sides of the world. Maybe you and your soulmate have an incredible story of how you’ve braved the distance or just want to honor the places that mean a lot to you. These personalized map hearts by From China Village are the perfect project!

5. Map Lampshade

You may be staying at home right now, but there’s no reason why your interior can’t spell out travel at every turn! Lamps are recognized as an important part of your interior and they deserve to have a lampshade that feels gorgeous and inspiring to look at, such as the one at Silver Boxes!

6. Map Bangle Bracelet

Repurposing old maps doesn’t just come in handy within your home, it can also be a great idea when you’re refashioning your accessories or creating new ones! This is how your favorite places get to come with you wherever you go! Find out how Craft Stylish made this beautiful map bangle bracelet!

7. Map Necklace

If bracelets aren’t your thing or you’re simply itching for another accessory piece, the next obvious step is the necklace by Happy Hour Projects! This can be a very sentimental piece of jewelry because a lot of us have strong feelings about so many special places in the world that were a big part of our story!

8. Map Monogram

Personalized pieces are always the best, because they capture and reflect so much of who we are. A simple monogram is powerful enough on its own, but when you create it out of a map of your favorite place on Earth, it has an even greater impact! Find the tutorial at Callaloo Soup!

9. Map Chandelier

Lighting can make or break the room. It impacts the whole space and has a significant say over the energy in your living space. Creating a whimsical and inspiring chandelier from an old map is a genius idea and you can see the details at Paisley Sprouts!

10. Map Gift Tags

Whether it’s your best friend’s birthday, Valentine’s Day or a birthday shower – we’re always thinking about gifts! It takes a lot of planning to come up with the perfect gifts but nothing says cherry on top like a beautiful gift tag! Check out the map tags at Cut Out + Keep!

11. Map Wreath

Returning home from your travels is always a beautiful experience, but so is planning new adventures! If you want to stay in the spirit of being a citizen of the world even when you’re at home, you’re going to love the wreath we found at Pivotal Xpressions!

12. Map Tray

Trays are such a wonderful addition to a home. From morning coffee to breakfast in bed, they make everything feel so very special! Bless your tray with an old-fashioned element by repurposing an old map! A Spoonful of Sugar will show you how.

13. Map Shoes

At the end of the day, it’s your shoes that are taking you to all of these amazing places and they deserve to be included in the celebration of traveling! Check out how Something Monumental refashioned these outstandingly unique map sneakers!

WONDERFUL DIY

wonderfuldiy.com is an up-and-coming community of people specialized in high-quality and on-trend cool projects and tutorials in home design, fashion, and crafts. Recognizing the value of the do-it-yourself movement of the last several years, wonderfuldiy.com is inspired by unique yet replicable ideas.
Because everyone’s style is individual, customized pieces with a high-end look are what we're always after.